SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - January 31, 2011) - Third annual Italian cycling event to bring more than 3,500 cyclists to San Diego's hip and historic Little Italy neighborhood on Sunday, April 10, 2011 along with weekend-long "Piazza Gran Fondo" festival featuring gourmet food, wine, beer and fun!
WHAT:
Gran Fondo USA presents the Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego Cycling Classic bringing more than 3,500 cyclists and thousands of spectators together for a magical weekend in San Diego, CA that embodies the energy, excitement and style of world-famous Italian cycling races and tours.
During the main event on Sunday, April 10, riders will participate in a cycling event along 53-mile and 100-mile routes through scenic San Diego County. The ride begins in the heart of Little Italy and cyclists cross the finish line only a few hours later at the historic County Administration Building.
To celebrate its third year in San Diego and entertain spectators between the start and finish lines, Gran Fondo USA is also hosting "Piazza Gran Fondo." Event attendees can explore Italian cycling heritage and mingle with industry celebrities during a full weekend of gourmet Italian cuisine, music, wine, beer and entertainment on April 9 and 10.
"San Diego's City leaders and its Little Italy community have been incredibly welcoming and we're absolutely thrilled to have such a unique course this year," said Rob Klingensmith, cofounder of Grand Fondo USA. "San Diego is one of the nation's largest cycling communities, so we're expecting the event to sell-out and, this year, we're raising the bar with the addition of the Piazza Gran Fondo to bring in more of the community to celebrate -- we can't wait!"
Beneficiaries of the event include the Challenged Athletes Foundation and the American Melanoma Foundation. Proud sponsors include: Colnago, Campagnolo, Michelob ULTRA, Alitalia Airlines, FSA (Full Speed Ahead), Little Italy Association, Ride Strong Bike Tours, Speedplay Pedals, Gaerne Shoes, Prologo Saddles and the Italian Trade Commission.
WHEN AND WHERE:
Saturday, April 9 -- Piazza Gran Fondo opens at the County Administration Building at 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101.
Opening day festivities will include music, food and fun. Full details on Piazza Gran Fondo will be announced in the coming weeks.
Sunday, April 10 -- GRAN FONDO COLNAGO CYCLING CLASSIC
Starting Line: 1700 block of India Street, San Diego CA 92101 (in the heart of Little Italy neighborhood, under the landmark Little Italy sign).
Photo and interview opportunities begin at 6 a.m. as cyclists gear-up for the ride. Breakfast will be served and the community is invited to share in the excitement!
Mass-start at 7:15 a.m. SHARP!
A host of five luxurious Ferrari automobiles will lead off the race.
Finish Line - 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Depending on the cyclists' choice of route, either 53-miles or 100-miles, they will cross the finish line at the County Administration Building between 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (The winners of the major 100-mile ride are expected to finish around 2 p.m.)
COVERAGE IDEAS:
Media opportunities abound for Gran Fondo Colnago. Interested media can receive special training to participate in the event; enjoy tours of the culinary aspects of the event and schedule on-air tastings/demonstrations; meet and interview celebrity sponsors and athletes, and more.
Stunning helicopter visual opportunities on Sunday, April 10 from 6:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Contact Information:
Media Contact:
Citrus PR for Gran Fondo Colnago
(858) 720-0910 / (760) 889-2909 mobile
Lauren W. Forgione
Public Information:
www.granfondosandiego.com
www.facebook.com/granfondo
Twitter: @granfondo